Australian activist Natalie Lowrey, who was among the 16 people arrested by the police during the anti-Lynas protest yesterday, was denied bail and may be charged in court.

Kuantan OCPD Abdul Aziz Salleh confirmed that Lowrey ( right ) was still being detained at the Kuantan police district headquarters and cannot be freed on police bail, although the others have been allowed bail.

Abdul Aziz said that Lowrey was being investigated under Section 145 of the Penal Code and Section 39(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

According to Abdul Aziz, Lowrey had abused her passport by taking part in an unlawful assembly, which is an offence under Section 39(b) of the Immigration Act.

He said the authorities have the right to detain Lowrey for 14 days, as per the law.

Section 145 of the Penal Code states that whoever joins or continues in a unlawful assembly, knowing that it has been commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum two years, or face a fine, or both upon being found guilty.

“We will try to speed up the investigation and get the direction from the deputy public prosecutor and probably charge her in court,” Abdul Aziz said when contacted by Malaysiakini .

Sixteen people, including Himpunan Hijau chairperson Wong Tack, DAP fireband speaker Hew Kuan Yau and Lowrey were arrested during a protest organised by Himpunan Hijau held in front of Lynas Corporation’s rare earth plant yesterday afternoon.

Abdul Aziz said that the 15 had been released on police bail between 12 midnight and 1.30am today.

He said that five of them were being investigated under Section 147 (rioting) of the Penal Code and 10 were being investigated under Section 145 of the same law.

“We will complete the investigation within these few days and will forward this to deputy public prosecutor (to decide on whether to bring the case to the court),” he added.

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